SUMMERLAND, Calif. – The ongoing conflict in Gaza has displaced 83 percent of the population, leaving more than 1.7 million people without adequate shelter, according to international disaster relief organization ShelterBox USA.
“These are tough times… millions of people are trapped in Fafa… no food… no safety,” said Selina Kelsch, director of humanitarian strategic partnerships at ShelterBox USA.
ShelterBox USA responds to conflict by providing shelter assistance to displaced populations.
“By working with local partners in Gaza and distributing basic goods such as water carriers, we can meet the needs of people to survive,” Koelsch said.
In addition, the organization provides humanitarian relief tents that serve as temporary housing for displaced families.
“Many of these families are continually displaced. In Rafah, there are over 600,000 people without homes… We have tents where people can live and they can move to if they need to,” said Kelly Murray, president of ShelterBox USA.
Now, ShelterBox plans to send more aid to Gaza as the border opens.
To strengthen its resources, ShelterBox is partnering with the Montecito Rotary Club to provide financial support.
“Our partnership with ShelterBox is extremely important because it sends a message to the world that humanitarianism is alive and well,” said Tony Morris, president of the Rotary Club of Montecito.
Whether serving people in war-torn situations or natural disasters, ShelterBox USA plans to continue its efforts with the help of local partners when assistance is needed.
